Magnetically operated fluid pumping apparatus

ABSTRACT

A magnetically operated pumping apparatus that can be deployed in a variety of applications wherein the present invention includes a pumping member operable to move in a first technique and a second technique in order to provide pumping of a fluid. The present invention includes a cylinder housing having an interior volume wherein a pumping member is disposed therein. The pumping member includes at least one rare earth magnet disposed in the interior volume thereof. The pumping member is provided in two embodiments dependent upon deployment for the first technique or second technique. The pumping member is configured to be moved in a reciprocating manner and a rotational manner wherein both provide movement of a fluid disposed in the cylinder housing in which the pumping member is movably located. Electrical coils are utilized to produce electromagnetic fields in order to control the movement of the pumping member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to pumping and propulsion apparatus, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a fluid pumping apparatus that is configured to provide pumping and/or movement of fluid to be employed in a plurality of applications such as but not limited to in-line pumping, industrial pumps, air compression, fluid propulsion and other pneumatic systems.

BACKGROUND

As is known in the art, there are numerous pumping technologies that are employed in various alternate applications. Conventional pumping technologies include but are not limited to mechanical pumps and impellers. Additionally, alternate types of fluid pumping technologies are utilized in applications such as but not limited to fluid propulsion. Lastly, an additional example of fluid management apparatus include compressor systems wherein fluid management is employed to provide compression of the fluid. In all of the aforementioned applications there is a variety of mechanical components employed to execute the desired direction of the fluid such as but not limited to water, oil or air. These mechanical components introduce many operational challenges into the systems. Operational costs to include but not be limited to maintenance and parts replacement leads to a high cost of ownership for some of the conventionally available systems.

Another issue with these conventional systems is the reliability. As most of the applications require continuous or substantial operation this results in a significant wear on many of the components. As a result, these components must be routinely replaced. In commercial environments and/or applications this can result in downtime which can have a negative impact on profitability of a commercial entity. A further issue involving operational cost is the fuel source required to operate some of these conventional systems. Many applications in the field of invention utilize diesel fuel which has a cyclical market price and can be expensive to operate. Lastly, many of these systems operate at a high decibel level which can be disadvantageous in various applications.

Accordingly, there is a need for a fluid pumping apparatus that is configured to provide movement of fluid to be employed in a plurality of applications wherein the present invention utilizes magnets and an electrical field to provide operation of the elements thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a fluid pumping apparatus that is configured to operably move a fluid for a plurality of alternate applications wherein the present invention includes a pumping member disposed within a cylinder.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetically operated fluid pumping apparatus operable to provide pumping of a fluid wherein the pumping member includes a plurality of helical grooves formed on the outer surface thereof.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a fluid pumping apparatus that is configured to operably move a fluid for a plurality of alternate applications wherein the pumping member includes at least one magnet disposed in the interior thereof.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetically operated fluid pumping apparatus operable to provide pumping of a fluid wherein the present invention includes a stator coil circumferentially disposed around a cylinder in which the pumping member is disposed.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a fluid pumping apparatus that is configured to operably move a fluid for a plurality of alternate applications wherein the present invention includes a rotational embodiment and a reciprocating embodiment.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a magnetically operated fluid pumping apparatus operable to provide pumping of a fluid wherein the pumping member in the reciprocating embodiment is formed with one tapered end.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid pumping apparatus that is configured to operably move a fluid for a plurality of alternate applications wherein the rotational embodiment includes axially poled magnet bearings circumferentially disposed around the cylinder proximate opposing ends of the pumping member.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetically operated fluid pumping apparatus operable to provide pumping of a fluid wherein the present invention is operably coupled to a conventional electrical power supply.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of the reciprocating embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a top view of the intake assembly of the reciprocating embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the discharge of the reciprocating embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a side diagrammatic view of the reciprocating embodiment with the pumping member in a second position; and

FIG. 5 is a side diagrammatic view of the reciprocating embodiment with the pumping member intermediate its first and second position; and

FIG. 6 is a side diagrammatic view of the reciprocating embodiment with the pumping member in its first position; and

FIG. 7 is a side diagrammatic view of the reciprocating embodiment with the pumping member intermediate its first and second position; and

FIG. 8 is an exploded diagrammatic view of the rotational embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective diagrammatic view of the rotational embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 a side diagrammatic view of the rotational embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the pumping member of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the pumping member of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the pumping member of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is an end view of the pumping member of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a detailed end view of the pumping member of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional end view of and end of the pumping member of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a detailed end view of the pumping member of the present invention; and

FIG. 18 is an end view of the stator coil of the rotational embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is a side view of the stator coil of the rotational embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the stator coil of the rotational embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Referring in particular to the Figures submitted as a part hereof, magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 is provided in a reciprocating embodiment illustrated herein in FIGS. 1 through FIG. 7 and a rotational embodiment wherein the elements thereof are illustrated herein in FIG. 8 through FIG. 20 . While not illustrated herein, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 is configured to be electrically coupled to a conventional AC or DC power supply in order to provide the necessary electrical current to provide operation of the pumping member 20 as described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 7 , the reciprocating embodiment of the magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 is illustrated herein. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 includes a cylinder housing 5 having an interior volume 6 that is hollow. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the cylinder housing 5 can be manufactured from durable materials such as but not limited to plastic. Furthermore, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the cylinder housing 5 could be provided in a plurality of alternate lengths and diameters as needed for the application in which the magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 will be employed. Circumferentially disposed around the cylinder housing 5 is a coil 10. The coil 10 is a conventional coil of copper wire that is electrically coupled to a suitable power source. The coil 10 is configured to have electrical current transmit therethrough wherein the current direction and timing controls the movement of the pumping member 20 as a result of the impact thereof on the rare earth magnet 18. The electrical current and direction thereof in the coil 10 creates an electromagnetic field which interacts with the rare earth magnet 18 disposed within the pumping member 20 to provide the desired movement of the pumping member 20 as is further discussed herein. In the reciprocating embodiment of the magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 the coil 10 is divided into four separately controlled portions wherein each portion is independently operated by separate circuits controlling the charging and discharging of each portion of the coil 10 in order to control the electromagnetic field produced by the coil 10 and provide the reciprocating movement of the pumping member 20 as the rare earth magnet 18 interacts with the changes in electromagnetic field of the coil 10.

The magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 includes intake assembly 25 wherein the intake assembly 25 is integrally formed with the cylinder housing 5. The intake assembly 25 functions as a one-way valve so as to permit fluid to flow into and around the pumping member 20. The intake valve assembly 25 includes a seal 26 and seal retaining shaft 27 wherein the seal 26 and seal retaining shaft 27 function to allow fluid to enter the interior volume 6 of the cylinder housing 5 as the pumping member 20 moves from its first position to its second position. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the intake assembly 25 could be configured with alternate elements in order to facilitate introduction of fluid into the interior volume 6 of the cylinder housing 5. The pumping member 20 has operably coupled to the second end 22 thereof a flange member 30. The flange member 30 is manufactured from rubber or similar flexible material and is configured to move between a first position and a second position depending upon the travel direction of the pumping member 20. The flange member 30 during travel between the second position of the pumping member 20 to the first position, as is illustrated herein in FIG. 5 , will bend so as to allow fluid to pass through the channels 19 and into the interior volume 6 rearwards of the pumping member 20. During movement from the second position to the first position, the fluid passing through the channels 19 applies pressure to the flange member 30 providing bending thereof as illustrated herein in FIG. 5 . This provides filling of the interior volume 6 of the cylinder housing 5. The movement of the pumping member 20 is controlled by the manipulation of the electrical current through the portions of the coil 10. As illustrated herein in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the flange member 30 is in a position so as to be planar in orientation and adjacent second end 22 of the pumping member 20 during the movement of the pumping member 20 from its first position to its second position. In the second position of the flange member 30 as illustrated herein in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the pumping member 20 is traversing towards the second end 2 of the cylinder housing 5. As the pumping member 20 traverses towards second end 2, fluid disposed within the interior volume 6 between the second end 22 of the pumping member 20 and the second end 2 of the cylinder 5 is propelled outwards from the cylinder housing 5 at the second end 2 thereof. Conversely, as the pumping member travels towards first end 1 of the cylinder housing 5 the flange member 30 bends to an arcuate shape, as is illustrated herein in FIG. 5 , so as to allow fluid to pass through the channels 19 past the second end 22 in order to fill the interior volume 6 between the second end 22 of the pumping member 20 and the second end 2 of the cylinder housing 5 with fluid. This reciprocating motion of the pumping member 20 provides continuous filling and evacuation of the interior volume 6 of the cylinder housing 5 and can be employed in various alternate applications. While an embodiment of the flange member 30 has been illustrated and discussed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the flange member 30 could be provided in various alternate embodiments in order to achieve the desired functionality as described herein.

Now referring to FIG. 8 through FIG. 20 , the rotational embodiment of the magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 is illustrated therein. The rotational embodiment includes cylinder housing 40 wherein cylinder housing 40 has a hollow interior volume 43 and further includes a first end 41 and second end 42. The cylinder housing 40 is manufactured from a durable material such as but not limited to plastic. The cylinder housing 40 has surroundably present thereto a housing 50. The housing is configured to surround and protect the magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 and it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the housing 50 could be provided in alternate shapes and sizes. The cylinder housing 40 has surroundably mounted thereto a stator coil 60 proximate the midpoint thereof. The stator coil 60 includes frame 61 and copper wire 62. The stator coil 60 is electrically coupled to a conventional power supply operable to produce a current through the copper wire 62. The stator coil 60 produces an electromagnetic field that interacts with the magnets 70 disposed within the pumping member 80. The electrical current transmitted through the stator coil 60 provides an electromagnetic field resulting in an interaction with the magnets 70 that result in a rotational movement of the pumping member 80.

The cylinder housing 40 has circumferentially mounted thereto a first magnet bearing 45 and a second magnet bearing 48. The first magnet bearing 45 and second magnet bearing 48 are axially poled magnets that function to maintain the pumping member 80 in place during rotation thereof. While the preferred shape of the first magnet bearing 45 and second magnet bearing 48 is ring shaped, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first magnet bearing 45 and second magnet bearing 48 could be provided in alternate shapes and positioned circumferentially about the cylinder housing 40. The magnets 70 disposed within the pumping member 80 are diametrically poled so as to interact with the stator coil 60 to produce a rotational movement of the pumping member 80. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the pumping member 80 could have alternate quantities of magnets disposed in the interior volume thereof. The pumping member 80 has formed on the outer surface thereof a plurality of channels 81 wherein the channels 81 extend the length of the pumping member 80. The channels 81 are helical in form and are operable to promote fluid flow therethrough during rotation of the pumping member 80. The pumping member 80 includes a first end 85 and a second end 88 that are both tapered in shape. The tapered form of the first end 85 and the second end 88 provides the ability for fluid to flow therepast during rotational movement of the pumping member 88. As electrical current is transmitted through the stator coil 60, the resulting electromagnetic field interacts with the magnets 70 to produce rotation of the pumping member 80. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the directional current transmitted through the stator coil 60 could be altered in order to provide the desired rotational direction of the pumping member 80. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the rotational embodiment of the magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 could be provided in alternate sizes in order to fulfill the needs of a desired application.

While specifically illustrated herein, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 could include cooling components to provide temperature control thereof as needed for various applications. By way of example but not limitation, the magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100 could employ fans, heat sinks and other similar elements to provide cooling of the magnetically operated pumping apparatus 100.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of a fluid wherein the magnetically operated pumping apparatus comprises: a cylinder housing, said cylinder housing having a first end and a second end, said cylinder housing being substantially hollow having an interior volume; a pumping member, said pumping member being movably disposed within said interior volume of said cylinder housing, said pumping member having a first end and a second end, said pumping member having an outer surface, said pumping member having at least one rare earth magnet disposed within the interior volume thereof, said first end of said pumping member being tapered in an elliptical ogive shape with a fully rounded end, said second end of said pumping member being tapered in an elliptical ogive shape with a fully rounded end, said outer surface being configured to facilitate fluid movement thereacross and traverse from the first end of the pumping member to the second end of the pumping member; and a coil, said coil being circumferentially disposed around said cylinder housing, said coil being manufactured from copper wire, said coil having an electrical current passing therethrough, wherein the coil produces an electromagnetic field that interacts with the rare earth magnet disposed in the pumping member and facilitates movement of the pumping member.
 2. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of fluid as recited in claim 1, and further including an intake assembly, said intake assembly being operably mounted on said first end of said cylinder housing, said intake assembly configured to permit fluid to flow into the interior volume of said cylinder housing.
 3. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of fluid as recited in claim 2, wherein the pumping member is operable to move in a reciprocating manner intermediate the first end and second end of the cylinder housing.
 4. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of fluid as recited in claim 3, wherein the outer surface of the pumping member has formed thereon a plurality of helical grooves that are operable to have fluid flow therethrough, the helical grooves extending from the fully rounded end of said first end to the fully rounded end of said second end.
 5. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of fluid as recited in claim 4, and further including a flange member, said flange member being operably coupled to said second end of said pumping member, said flange member movable between a first position and a second position.
 6. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of fluid as recited in claim 5, wherein said flange member is planar and adjacent said second end of said pumping member in said second position and wherein said flange member is in said second position during movement of said pumping member from said first end of said cylinder housing to said second end.
 7. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of fluid as recited in claim 6, wherein the flange member transitions to an arcuate shape in said first position during movement of the pumping member from said second end of the cylinder housing to the first end of the cylinder housing wherein in the first position the flange member permits fluid flowing through the helical grooves to flow therepast.
 8. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of fluid as recited in claim 7, wherein the intake assembly functions as a one-way valve for control of fluid into the interior volume of the cylinder housing.
 9. A magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of a fluid wherein the magnetically operated pumping apparatus comprises: a cylinder housing, said cylinder housing having a first end and a second end, said cylinder housing being substantially hollow having an interior volume; a first magnet bearing, said first magnet bearing being circumferentially mounted to said cylinder housing proximate said first end of said cylinder housing, a second magnet bearing, said second magnet bearing being circumferentially mounted to said cylinder housing proximate said second end of said cylinder housing, said first magnet bearing and said second magnet bearing being axially poled; a pumping member, said pumping member being movably disposed within said interior volume of said cylinder housing, said pumping member having a first end and a second end, said pumping member having an outer surface, said pumping member having at least one rare earth magnet disposed within the interior volume thereof, said outer surface being configured to facilitate fluid movement thereacross providing directional movement of the fluid; said first end of said pumping member being tapered in an elliptical ogive shape with a fully rounded end, said second end of said pumping member being tapered in an elliptical ogive shape with a fully rounded end, a stator coil, said stator coil having a frame, said stator coil further having a plurality of copper wire, said stator coil configured to have an electrical current transmitted therethrough, wherein the electrical current creates an electromagnetic field operable to interact with the at least one rare earth magnet disposed in the pumping member resulting in movement thereof.
 10. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of fluid as recited in claim 9, wherein the electromagnetic field creates a rotational movement of the pumping member.
 11. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of fluid as recited in claim 10, wherein said first end and said second end of said pumping member are tapered in shape.
 12. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of fluid as recited in claim 11, wherein the outer surface of the pumping member has formed thereon a plurality of helical grooves that are operable to have fluid flow therethrough during rotational movement of the pumping member, the helical grooves extending from the fully rounded end of said first end to the fully rounded end of said second end.
 13. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of fluid as recited in claim 12, wherein the at least one rare earth magnet disposed within the pumping member is diametrically poled.
 14. The magnetically operated pumping apparatus configured to provide movement of fluid as recited in claim 13, wherein the rotational movement of the pumping member can be clockwise or counterclockwise in direction. 